The Cass County Firefighters Association hosted a Pipeline Emergency and Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Saturday, April 12th at the Legacy Event Center in Hughes Springs. The event was sponsored by Enbridge, a major international gas pipeline distribution company operating in the Ark-La-Tex. In attendance were members from Avinger, Center Hill, Hughes Springs, Lone Star, Mims, Ore City, Pleasant Grove and Woodlawn fire departments and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management.

Philip Oaks, National Program Director/Trainer for the National Association of State Fire Marshals presented information and led discussions on the infrastructure of the North American pipeline distribution system. Lessons learned included various strategies for managing pipeline emergencies and suggestions for multi-jurisdictional emergency incident guidelines. Firefighters received 8 hours toward Hazardous Materials training (HazMat) and everyone received Train-the-Trainer certification for pipeline emergencies.

Upcoming spring & summer fire schools:

Bowie County Annual Spring Fire School: (classroom & live fire)

April 25th, 26th & 27th at the Texarkana College Extension Campus in New Boston